Tag Archives: Robert Hallock

How To Optimise For 64 Cores : An AMD Guide!

The new AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X gives design and video production professionals, as well as HEDT enthusiasts, unprecedented computing power with 64 cores of processing power!

But with all those cores come the problem – how do you make use of all 64 cores, and not have any core just idle, wasting power?

Thanks to their work with the RED Digital Cinema team, AMD has some advice on what we can do to optimise for 64 cores.

 

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X : 64 Cores of Awesomeness!

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X is the world’s first 64-core HEDT processor, bringing the capability to process up to 128 simultaneous threads simultaneously to the desktop!

Specifications TR
3990X
TR
3970X
TR
3960X
TR
2990WX
TR
2970WX
TR
2950X
TR
2920X
Architecture AMD Zen 2 AMD Zen+
Fab Process 7 nm (CPU) | 12 nm (IO) 12 nm
Cores / Threads 64 / 128 32 / 64 24 / 48 32 / 64 24 / 48 16 / 32 12 / 24
Base Clock 2.9 GHz 3.7 GHz 3.8 GHz 3.0 GHz 3.0 GHz 3.5 GHz 3.5 GHz
Boost Clock 4.3 GHz 4.5 GHz 4.5 GHz 4.2 GHz 4.2 GHz 4.4 GHz 4.3 GHz
L2 Cache 32 MB 16 MB 12 MB 16 MB 12 MB 8 MB 6 MB
L3 Cache 256 MB 128 MB 64 MB 32 MB
PCIe Support PCIe 4.0 (64 lanes) PCIe 3.0 (64 lanes)
TDP 280 W 250 W 180 W
Launch Price $3990 $1999 $1399 $1799 $1299 $899 $649

AMD demonstrated that it not only handily trounces the Xeon W-3275 processor – Intel’s best single-chip processor, it also handily beat the two Xeon Platinum 8280 processors!

To keep all 64 cores humming, every core has 512 KB of L2 cache, with a super large 256 MB L3 cache to keep data flowing.

However, you cannot just build an AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X system, and expect to instantly leverage all 64 cores.

 

How To Optimise For 64 Cores : An AMD Guide!

After working with the RED Digital Cinema team, AMD came up with some advice on how to optimise your system for 64 cores.

Optimising For 64 Cores Summarised

1. Ensure there is 1 GB to 2 GB of RAM per thread – the system should have 128 GB to 256 GB of memory.

2. Update to Windows 10 version 18362.535 or better (KB4530684 November 2019 Update)

3. The Windows application should be updated to support 65 or more threads, with the ability to span more than one processor group

4. For Linux users, Clear Linux Distro is the best for performance.

5. Reduce storage I/O bottleneck by disabling the virus scanner and system restore feature.

6. Use separate drives for project read, project write and operating systems.

7. AMD recommends these NVMe SSD models for maximum performance with 64 cores :

 

Where To Buy?

The 64-core AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X is priced at RM16,999 / S$5,988 / US$3,990, with these online purchase options :

And here are online purchase options for the AMD-recommended NVMe SSD models :

 

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AMD Fall 2019 Desktop Ryzen + Threadripper Update!

We just just received an update on Ryzen and Threadripper processors in the AMD Fall 2019 Desktop Update!

Here is our complete coverage of the AMD Fall 2019 Desktop Update, including tech briefing videos by Robert Hallock and Don Woligroski!

 

AMD Fall 2019 Desktop Update + Q&A Session With Don Woligroski

AMD kicked off their Fall 2019 Desktop Update with a tech briefing and Q&A session with Don Woligroski, AMD Desktop Processor Technical Marketing Manager.

 

AMD Fall 2019 Desktop Update By Robert Hallock

They then shared a separate, but similar, tech briefing by Robert Hallock, AMD Senior Technical Marketing Manager.

 

AMD Fall 2019 Desktop Update Summary

The AMD Fall 2019 Desktop Update can be broken into three sections :

  1. AMD Ryzen 9 3950X Processor
  • 16-core, 32-thread processor with 105 watt TDP
  • 3.5 GHz base clock, a 4.7 GHz boost clock, and a massive 64 MB L3 cache.
  • No bundled cooler, designed for water cooling with 280 mm or larger radiator
  • Launch price : $749
  • Availability : 25 November 2019
  • Full details : AMD Ryzen 9 3950X : Everything You Need To Know!

  1. AMD Athlon 3000G APU with Radeon Vega Graphics

  1. AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X | 3960X
  • Ryzen Threadripper 3970X : 32C / 64T, 4.5GHz / 3.7GHz, 144 MB cache
  • Ryzen Threadripper 3960X : 24C / 48T, 4.5GHz / 3.8GHz, 140 MB cache
  • Uses new Socket sTRX4 with new AMD TRX40 chipset
  • Launch price : $1999 (3970X) | $1399 (3960X)
  • Launch date : 25 November 2019
  • Full details : 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen Threadripper Tech Preview!

  1. New Eco-Mode For 3rd Gen Ryzen Processors

 

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AMD Athlon APU with Radeon Vega Graphics Tech Report!

AMD just introduced the AMD Athlon APU with Radeon Vega Graphics. They are essentially a new low-cost family of processors based on the AMD Raven Ridge APUs launched earlier this year.

In this article, we will share with you the official AMD Athlon APU with Radeon Vega Graphics tech briefing, as well as the official slides, and other details.

 

The Official AMD Athlon APU with Radeon Vega Graphics Tech Briefing

Let’s start with the official AMD Athlon APU with Radeon Vega Graphics tech briefing by Robert Hallock, AMD Senior Technical Marketing Manager. This is an improved video that we created with larger, sharper slides and gaps removed. Enjoy!

 

AMD Athlon APU with Radeon Vega Graphics

The AMD Athlon APU with Radeon Vega Graphics is what AMD calls an Accelerated Processing Unit, because it combines a processor with a graphics processor in a single die.

In the Athlon APU’s case, it is basically a cut-down version of the AMD Raven Ridge APUs launched in February 2018. It combines a Ryzen CPU with a Radeon Vega graphics processor.

 

What Are The New AMD Athlon APU Models?

AMD officially launched only one Athlon APU on 6 September 2018 – the AMD Athlon 200GE with Radeon Vega 3 Graphics. It has two Zen processor cores that is capable of handling four simultaneous threads, with three Radeon Vega Graphics compute units.

Priced at just US$55, the Athlon 200GE has a fixed 3.2 GHz clock speed, with a 35 W TDP. It comes with a 1 MB L2 cache and a 4 MB L3 cache.

AMD also announced that the AMD Athlon 220GE and Athlon 240GE models (specifications unknown) will be released sometime in Q4 2018.

 

What Motherboards Does It Support?

The AMD Athlon APU with Radeon Vega Graphics runs on the AMD AM4 platform. So you can upgrade your existing AM4 system with the new Athlon APU (with a BIOS upgrade).

Although AMD did not explicitly mention it, the AMD Athlon APU with Radeon Vega Graphics most likely supports the faster DDR4-2933 memory, so it may pay to upgrade to a newer motherboard that supports the higher DDR4 memory speed.

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Where Does The AMD Athlon APU Fit In?

The AMD Athlon APU with Radeon Vega Graphics is meant to be a basic processor option with basic graphics capabilities. It slots in below the AMD Ryzen 3 CPU and APU models, and competes directly against the Intel Pentium and Celeron models.

With just two Zen cores and three Vega CUs, it’s definitely not meant for serious gaming. But it will be more than powerful enough to power a family computer, or a cheap office PC.

New Page > AMD Athlon APU Performance, Price + Availability, Official Slides

 

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How Fast Is The AMD Athlon APU?

AMD pit their Athlon 200GE against the Intel Pentium G4560. A couple of differences to note :

  • The Athlon 200GE runs at 3.2 GHz, while the Pentium G4560 runs at 3.5 GHz.
  • The Athlon 200GE has 5 MB of L2 and L3 cache, while the Pentium G4560 only has a 2 MB L2 cache.
  • The Athlon 200GE runs a 35 W TDP, while the Pentium G4560 has a 54 W TDP.
  • The Athlon 200GE supports DDR4-2933 memory, while the Pentium G4560 only supports DDR4-2400 memory.

The AMD Athlon 200GE was roughly equal to the Pentium G4560 in CPU performance, but has 67% better graphics performance with a 35% lower TDP. AMD estimates that this mades the Athlon 200GE 2X more efficient than the Pentium G4560.

 

A Generational Boost From Zen

Here are more benchmark comparison (sadly with no actual numbers) comparing the Athlon 200GE against the Pentium G4560, and the previous-generation AMD A6-9500E APU. The Athlon 200GE is notably twice as fast as the A6-9500E.

 

Can You Game On The AMD Athlon APU?

Well, you can… if you are satisfied with your games running at 720p. Still, it is far better than what’s possible with the processor graphics of the Intel Pentium G4560 or the A6-9500E APU.

You can boost its gaming performance with a discrete graphics card, although it will be hobbled a little by its PCIe x8 support (instead of PCIe x16).

In this test, AMD used the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050. The Intel Pentium G4560 was a little faster, but requires more power.

 

AMD Athlon APU Price + Availability

The AMD Athlon 200GE is priced at US$ 55, and will be available from global retailers and system integrators starting 18 September 2018, while the Athlon 220GE and 240GE processor models are slated for launch in Q4 2018.

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The Complete AMD Athlon APU Presentation Slides

Here is a complete set of the official AMD Athlon APU with Radeon Vega Graphics presentation slides for your perusal.

 

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The AMD Ryzen 3 Processor Tech Report

Last week, AMD invited us to a tech briefing on the AMD Ryzen 3 processors for the mainstream desktop market. This is a follow-up to their earlier teaser on the Ryzen 3, when they revealed the Ryzen Threadripper processor. We managed to create a video of both their presentation, as well as the Q&A session after that. Check them out!

 

The AMD Ryzen 3 Processors Revealed!

The tech briefing session was hosted by AMD PR Manager Iain Bristow, with three AMD spokespersons – James Prior (Senior Product Manager for AMD Client Desktop), Don Woligroski (Global Marketing Manager for AMD Desktop Processors) and Robert Hallock (Head of Global Technical Marketing, AMD).

In this 22-minute video presentation, they detailed the key performance advantages of the new Ryzen 3 processors over their Intel Core i3 competitors. They also talked about the introduction of the 7th Generation AMD A-Series and Athlon processors to the Socket AM4 platform.

The AMD team then took questions from members of the media for 10 minutes on the new Ryzen 3 processors.

Here are the key points :

  • The AMD Ryzen 3 processors have four processors cores, capable of processing 4 simultaneous threads.
  • All AMD Ryzen 3 processors feature the AMD SenseMI technology, and are multiplier-unlocked.
  • The first two AMD Ryzen 3 processors are the Ryzen 3 1300X and Ryzen 3 1200.[adrotate group=”2″]
  • They will both come with the low-profile AMD Wraith Stealth cooler.
  • The AMD Ryzen 3 1300X is up to 29% faster than the Intel Core i3-7300.
  • The AMD Ryzen 3 1300X is up to 17% faster than the Intel Core i3-7100.
  • AMD will make the Wraith MAX cooler, with RGB LED control, available for purchase for US$ 59.
  • AMD also announced the worldwide availability of the 7th Generation A-Series and Athlon processors to cater to entry-level PCs.
  • They also announced the availability of BIOS updates based on AGESA 1.0.0.6 (AMD Generic Encapsulated Software Architecture) which allows for better overclockability with 3200 MHz DDR4 memory compatibility.

 

Specifications

Specifications AMD Ryzen 3
1300X
AMD Ryzen 3
1200
Cores / Threads 4 / 4 4 / 4
Core Clock Speed 3.5 GHz 3.1 GHz
Boost Clock Speed 3.7 GHz 3.4 GHz
XFR Speed 3.9 GHz 3.45 GHz
L2 Cache Size 2 MB 2 MB
L3 Cache Size 8 MB 8 MB
Max. TDP 65 W 65 W

 

Price & Availability

The AMD Ryzen 3 1300X and 1200 processors are available right now at the following price points :

  • Ryzen 3 1300X : US$129 / RM599
  • Ryzen 3 1200 : $109 / RM519

Next Page > The AMD Ryzen 3 Presentation Slides

 

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The AMD Ryzen 3 Presentation Slides

Here is the full set of presentation slides for the AMD Ryzen 3 tech briefing for your perusal.

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